Attwood Sahara MK2 Automatic Bilge Pump

Defender Marine Attwood Sahara MK2 Automatic Bilge Pump

Attwood’s Sahara Mk2 is the only automatic bilge pump that eliminates air locks, one of the primary causes of early failure in these pumps. The patented X-Air™ Impeller is engineered to force air bubbles trapped in the hose and underside of the pump out of the pipework so that the pump will not run dry and burn out. The company says this breakthrough technology makes Sahara Mk2 the most reliable automatic bilge pump on the market.

Defender Marine Attwood Sahara MK2 Automatic Bilge Pump-impeller design

The unique impeller design of the Sahara Mk2 bilge pump prevents air bubbles from creating a vapor lock in the bilge water plumbing between cycles.

The Sahara MK2 Bilge Pump is engineered to be the easiest automatic bilge to both install and service. Designed for freshwater and saltwater applications, the unit is easily serviced, with the hose attachment on the base rather than the housing. The housing is easily lifted off without unscrewing the hose so that the motor can be quickly replaced when the time comes.

Defender Marine Attwood Sahara MK2 Automatic Bilge Pump-exit hose attachment

The exit hose attachment of the Attwood Sahara MK2 is on the base, not on the housing, allowing easier access for motor replacement when the time comes.

Features:

  • Prevents air locking with patented X-Air™ anti-locking impeller
  • Mechanical float with microswitch
  • Only automatic bilge pump that eliminates air-locks
  • Universal and backward compatible design with 7 pump mounting hole patterns
  • Simple and convenient to install with exterior mounting feet
  • Integrated outlet port with fittings in straight and 90° format that allow full 360° orientation
  • SteadySwitch™ buoyancy control reduces cycling, draining the bilge, not the battery
  • Single-hand cartridge release for convenient access in hard-to-reach areas
  • Improved motor cooling/heat dissipation to prevent overheating that may cause failures
  • Non-return valve recommended for any installation

Defender Marine Attwood Sahara MK2 Automatic Bilge Pump-patented impeller

The patented impeller is protected from large debris by the gated housing. Installation requires only three screws.

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 12 or 24
  • ABD Pump body & float
  • PBT (GF) impeller
  • 316 Stainless steel motor shaft
  • Nitrile seals
  • Activation depth: 1-3/4" (50mm)
  • Deactivation depth: 3/4" (19mm)
  • IP Rating: IP68

Defender Marine Attwood Sahara MK2 Automatic Bilge Pump-steady switch

The large “Steady Switch” activates dependably and quickly when the water level rises around the pump base.

The pump activates when water depth reaches 50 mm (1.75”) and deactivates at 19 mm (0.75”) to avoid burnout from operating dry.

The company reports that the pump is 2x more electrolysis-resistant than other bilge pumps, and also more resistant to water penetration into the electric motor.

The flexible outlet design with a 90-degree rotatable elbow means the pump is easy to connect to existing plumbing or to fit into a new system.

Defender Marine Attwood Sahara MK2 Automatic Bilge Pump-base

A universal mounting-hole pattern on the base allows retrofitting without drilling added holes in most installations, even for bilge pumps made by other companies.

It’s available in 464, 816 and 860 gallons-per-hour models, with prices ranging from $59.99 to $107.99.

Learn more at Defender Marine.